Northampton Bike Park On Track for development

Specialist bike trail contractor On Track starts work this week to create the Northampton Bike Park, providing mountain bike enthusiasts of all levels with an amazing new facility.

Vegetation clearance has already taken place at the former Hard Nine golf course west of Brackmills Industrial Estate and work on the main development began today (Monday 25 April).

Once complete, the new free-to-use facility will comprise of:

• A multi-user green trail – an easy, dual-direction cycle route across the site, connecting Houghton Hill to the underpass for the A45
• Blue (moderate), red (difficult) and black (severe) off-road mountain bike trails for different abilities - dual tracks will allow head-to-head riding
• Five gathering spots where riders can meet to discuss the next section of track, and coaching can be provided
• A mountain bike skills area.

Cllr Lizzy Bowen, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth, said: “This will be an outstanding facility and we know there are many people in the local area and the mountain biking community who can’t wait to see it up and running.

“On Track is highly experienced in delivering mountain bike parks and we’re really looking forward seeing what they’re going to deliver for us all.

“We’ve worked closely with British Cycling and Sport England to ensure this project is the best it possibly can be on the land we have available, and we’re really excited to get our contractors on site.

“This project continues our work to make Northampton a city fit for the 21st century, with opportunities for everyone in the area to live their best lives.”

The new bike park will be created on the former golf course, which was part of Delapré Golf Centre until around six years ago. Work is expected to be complete by late summer.

The site also includes almost 13 hectares of wildlife habitats which will be maintained as part of the council’s ongoing approach to sustainability.

British Cycling Head of Business Planning and Transformation, Andy Farr, said: “We’re incredibly excited by the plans in place for the Northampton Bike Park, which will provide first-class trails and facilities for mountain bikers of all abilities. 

“Facilities like this are vital to sustaining the huge growth we’ve seen in mountain biking over recent years, and we’re incredibly thankful to our local partners in Northampton and the team at On Track who share our passion for getting more people on bikes.”

Charles Johnston, Property Director, Sport England, said: “Sport England are delighted to see this project moving forward and that there will soon be opportunities for people of all ages and abilities from the local area to use the cycling facilities.

“Supported by funding through the Places to Ride Programme, this work will be instrumental in improving cycling facilities throughout England.”

Parking would be at the nearby golf centre and the site is easily accessible by bike via the Norbital cycle route.